Category Archives: Mayumi Kaneko

It’s been a week since Somerset Art Weeks 2014 has started.
I supposed to send articles of my work development but now it’s already our show time!
At least I should report my work here.

‘Levels – STREAM – ” is inspired by the meandering stream runs though the Levels.
You don’t see the ‘meandering’ on the map but once you drive along the stream you will find the amazing meandering.
Now the stream is clam and beautiful, although huge disaster was brought by this stream this winter.

It has double layers – double weave.
One layer is dark colours – series of bules
The other layer is light/pale colours – ecru to very pale blue
These two layers inter change the position – upper side or lower side.
Creating a pattern with the interchanges.

‘Levels – HILLS –” is inspired by the gentle hills across the fields.
That area is very calm and peaceful, usually.

The colours represent green meadow and blue sky.
You see the woven in pattern – hills

It’s a table runner. I’m weaving place mats to go with the runner at the venue.

“ren” shows ‘float’ with strong geometric lines.

This is my presentation at The Courthouse Gallery, Somerset Guild of Craftsmen.

I had a different path to join this team from other artists. I was selected though Somerset Guild of Craftsmen Open exhibition. I couldn’t see much of relation between my work – lights, and “The Levels and Moors”. So it was a rather surprise when I’ve got the news.

I wonder what I can create under this theme; “The Levels and Moors”

I wonder what makes characterise “The Levels and Moors” – what colours, what patterns Colours and patterns are very important elements for weaving.

I drove around some part of Somerset Levels – Somerton, Long Sutton, Long Load, Muchelney, Drayton, Curry Rivel, Langport, Stathe, to Glastonbury. Quiet and peaceful, it has very different landscape from Mendip Hills where I live.

Now I wonder what I can extract from this trip.

Here might be a clue.

from Daily Mail

Architects often give me inspiration.

And stones. “Lias” is very characteristic stone around this area.

Now I visualize some design. You will see what I’ve got soon. Please don’t miss it!

Andrea Oke Andrea is currently completing a BA (hons) in Drawing and Applied Arts at the University of the West of England in Bristol in May. Her work focuses upon drawing, printmaking and stop motion animation. A selection of her work is available on andreaoke.weebly.com under the gallery tab.

Her proposal for the theme ‘Life on the Levels and Moors’ would be to develop an animation in response to the unique environment of the moors using sound and image to convey an experience to the viewer. She will be recording stories from members of the public whilst they are within the landscape, which she would then respond to by using moving image to create and experience of the place highlighting the unique landscape and wildlife, which is found there. The animation would be available to view at her allocated studios, Thornreed Studio at Lower Godney during Somerset Art Weeks Open studios event and its creation, together with selections the animation could be published through this blog. Drawings and prints, which are developed during the animation process, would be available to sell. During her time in the programme, Simon Ledson will be mentoring her in developing her practice.

Joy Merron

Graduated form MA Design: Fashion and Textiles at Bath Spa University, Joy’s work is focused on capturing elusive light patterns and exploring light as an architectural form, creating physical and intangible boundaries. She has been selected to create large scale public realm work at the new Bristol Breast Care Centre at Southmead Hospital, Bristol. www.joymerron.co.uk

For ‘The Levels and Moors’ she will develop a body of work based on the rhythms and marks of the man-made and natural imprints, inspired by the landscape of levels and moors. Reflecting on the natural elements that transform this environment in unexpected ways through weather, seasons and the play of sunlight, shadow and pattern. She will be at Black Swan Arts Centre during Open Studios event.

Lucy Pendrick

A self taught artist who creates miniature felt animals setting them against carefully selected foraged finds in Somerset. Lucy has created a collection of new work capturing the essence and wildlife of the moor from its wild open spaces to its secret combes with incredibly detailed felt animals to loose felt work filled with expression. Her bursary is supported by Exmoor Branch of NADFAS (The National Association of Decorative & Fine Art Societies) She will be Venue 27: Number Seven, Dulverton

Mayumi Kaneko

Mayumi’s interest in textile goes back to 1976 when she worked in a Kimono design studio in Tokyo, Japan. Although it was a brief experience the interest has lasted ever since. She moved to England and further her studies in textiles and she developed range of work using paper yarn.

“My works are mainly hand-woven items. I make clothing fabric, fashion and interior items including wall hangings and now, lights. I took graduate and postgraduate textile degree courses in England. Recently I am working extensively with paper yarn”

She will be working at Venue 108: Somerset Guild of Craftsmen in Somerton. There will be opportunity to see Mayumi weaving on the loom with paper yarn.